Blogmas Day 8: L'oreal HiP Kohl Eyeliner in Teal Kohl

L'oreal HiP Kohl Eyeliner in Teal Kohl

Description taken from Lorealparisusa.com:
"Discover the secret for dramatic, smokey eye definition HiP Studio Secrets Professional Kohl Eyeliner lets you create a velvety, smooth line that's perfect for day of night. The loose, iridescent kohl technology delivers intense, long-wearing results with a hint of sparkling glimmer."

VERDICT:
Overall Rating: 3 out of 5
Background story: I first heard about this product from LisaSz09 when she talked about the Guerlain Eye Kohl and how this was a dupe for that product. I was intrigued by the concept because it seemed to make putting eyeliner on all the more easier especially if someone wanted to try out using eye shadow or pigments as a eyeliner. So when I was at CVS there seemed to be a deal going on as they were trying to get rid of these, I don't know if they are now discontinued or not but either way I bought it.

So does it live up to the marketing?
I do not believe it's as long wearing as they have marketed. The actual brush makes it a lot easier to get a thin defined line especially in the inner eye area. However if you wanted to make a thicker line you can build it up but my main problem was THE FALL OUT! Each time I used it I had fall out on my cheeks that I have to brush away. Now only did it get on my cheeks it got on my hands so I would have random streaks of blue all over my hands.
I did not actually use this product up, and no it was not because I hated it, I rather liked the color. The problem was one day I opened it and I don't know how it happened but the tip was no longer straight like apparently I jammed it in wrong the last time I used it. I don't remember when the last time was that I used it because since the color is blue, I don't use it as often.
I have never used the Guerlain Eye Kohl so I do not know if it is a good dupe but according to Lisa it does seem so.

Would I repurchase?
Like I said, I do not know if this was discontinued BUT you can probably find it online and from what I noticed, at a pretty penny which is weird because I paid maybe $5 for it when it was on sale but that's because I'm a bargain hunter. So IF it's still available, NO I would not buy it again, I would rather use pigments on a small angled brush because I've found that's my best back of applying eye shadow as eyeliner and that's what I do with the black eye shadows that comes in my palettes.

Best,
Ren

Blogmas Day 6 &7: Venus Razor series

Many apologies for not updating yesterday, it's been a pretty busy week at my job and then  holiday dinners/parties/caroling right after. So to make up for it I decided to do a three product review in the Venus Razor Series and I will keep it short for each product. Enough babbling, onto the review. 

Venus Razor Series

Background Story: 

I have heard and seen multiple commercials about Venus and they have created a sound and stable image about having the smoothest shave. Majority of my friends have used it before and I feel that  I can trust my friend's judgement. 

A little bit about me, I only need to shave my legs like about once a month so I'm super impressed that these razors don't go too dull, I do shave my armpits so I am picky about what I use there. Most importantly I hated cuts but I wanted a  close shave when I did decide on shaving.

Venus Original

Description from Gillettevenus.com:

"The First 3-Blade Razor Designed for Women

The Venus Original razor features protective cushions surrounding 3 blades for a smooth, close shave in just one stroke.

3-blade cartridge gives an ultra close shave

Protective cushions for a nick-free shave

Interchangeable Razor Blade Refill Cartridges

Shaving Compact for in-shower refill storage

Soft grip handle for no-slip control."

VERDICT:

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5

My first set of Venus razors were the Original Razor which I had bought in a set when I was in desperate need of a razor while I was traveling in China. The set also came with a body wash because in China, there weren't apparently a lot of shaving creams. 

It worked pretty well and MY GOD does it give a nice close shave. When I had bought this the set also came with a travel case so the razor has been a part of my travel back system for so long. 

Would I repurchase?

Yes if there was a cheaper sale on it but most of the time nowadays I've been using the disposable.

Venus Embrace

                                          

Description from Gillettevenus.com:

"5 Blades for a Whole New Level of Smoothness

Get ready for the shave fit for a goddess. Our first women's razor created with 5 blades hugs every curve to get virtually every hair…and even shave bikini hair. The results are beautiful legs, an ultra-close shave and unsurpassed smoothness.

Characteristics:

5 razor blades for a dramatically smooth shave

Ribbon of moisture for a smooth glide

Interchangeable Razor Blade Refill Cartridges

ShowerPod® convenient in-shower storage

Soft Grip handle for no-slip control"

VERDICT: 

Overall Rating: 4.7 out of 5

This was my favorite product from the Venus Razor line. It is a little bit more expensive compared to the Original however I was still able to get the nice close smooth shave that I love. What I like most about the Venus razors in general is the shape of the head to wear it will hug every curve of your body. I do not get razor cuts or burns with razor because of the ribbon of moisture. The shower pod was the main reason why I decided to try out this product over the original because I wanted one that could hang in the shower. However, after awhile the pod stopped sticking as smoothly and then ended up falling like practically every time I was in the shower. 

Would I repurchase?

Yes I would but probably without the pod this time because I'm afraid it'll fall again like it did almost ALL THE TIME.

Simpy Venus

Description from Gillettevenus.com:

"Close Shave with Less Irritation

Simply Venus Disposable razors provide a close shave at an affordable price. This disposable women's razor features a 3-bladed pivoting head and a comfortable handle for an extra close shave and easy glide.

Easy Glide MoistureRich® Strip

3 blades for a close shave

Protective microfins help reduce nicks and cuts

Comfortable non-slip handle"

VERDICT:

Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5

I had bought the disposables because I stopped buying refills of the Embrace and the Original because they were pricier. It still does the work of the Original but at a cheaper price. I do not get a lot of cuts when I shave at all and I feel that these do last a pretty long time and most of all it does fit my budget. 

Would I repurchase?

Yes I would buy this one more compared the other two because I feel like it satisfy my needs with ease and I can still be able to get the shave that I loved from Venus without paying the price of the other two.

FINAL VERDICT:

Brand overall rating: 5 out 5 [HOLY GRAIL]

This is my favorite brand of razors of all time. I mean come on, even the disposable version does a better job compared of other expensive brands. 

Of the three razors I would choose the disposables for my current financial situation because it's just as cheap but I am still able to get what I need done. 

If money was not a major variable I would choose the embrace because there is something about having 5 blades vs 3 blades that makes the difference when it comes to how close of a shave you get. 

I hope you guys enjoyed my brief yet overall look at Venus Razors. If you have any questions let me know. I didn't mention what shaving cream I paired with the razors because they change around after each time I use up a bottle. When I do finish up my most recent one I WILL LET YA'LL KNOW!

Best, 

Ren

Blogmas Day 5: L'oreal Vive Pro Color Vive Shampoo and Conditioner

L'oreal Vive Pro Color Vive Shampoo and Conditioner

Description from Lorealparisusa.com:

"Color Vive Shampoo for Color-Treated Hair That's Regular gently cleanses without stripping or dulling color. UV filters and Anti-Oxidants help fight environmental elements so that your rich color stays truer longer."

"Transform Dull Color to Vibrant Shine Color Vive Conditioner for Color-Treated Hair That's Regular gently conditions your hair without stripping, fading, or dulling color. Every strand is moisturized and infused with intense shine."

Overall Rating: 3 out of 5

Background story: I did not choose to buy this, my mother bought it for me and just gave it to me since I ran out conveniently around the time she bought this because it was on sale. At the very least she knows that I need shampoo and conditioner for my color-treated hair.

VERDICT:

So does it live up to the marketing?

I would say that it does sort of live up to the marketing. Yes it does not strip the color however I feel that the conditioner did not moisturize well enough. I had to use double the amount than I usually use when it comes to conditioner because it was very light weight and therefore didn't sink into my hair. So I ended up using a deep conditioner every other time I washed my hair instead of once a week in order to keep my hair moisturized properly.

Would I repurchase?

No I would not repurchase because I felt that it did not do much for my hair and at the very least didn't cover the basics of what I required in a conditioner, keeping my hair hydrated.

Best, 

Ren

Blogmas Day 4: Nivea Visage Gentle Cleansing Cream, Dry to Sensitive Skin

Nivea Visage Gentle Cleansing Cream, Dry to Sensitive Skin

Description from Drugstore.com: 

"Gently purifies & smoothes

New Formula

Nivea® Visage Gentle Cleansing Cream gently purifies in an efficient yet delicate way.  It removes dirt without drying out the skin."

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5

Background story: I got a travel size version when I bought a travel bag set from the Nivea store in Berlin when I was study abroad. 

Here's my back story when it comes to travel sizes, I usually do not use up travel sizes so they can be used when I travel which I do a lot. Recently however, I have come the realization that I have stocked up on a quite few travel sized products! So I have starting using them up instead of purchasing new products therefore I still get my kick of trying new products but save money at the same time. Even now, I will buy sample size products more than full size, if I truly love it, then I will go for the full size. 

VERDICT:

So does it live up to the marketing?

MY GOODNESS IT'S GENTLE. There are beads inside for exfoliation but they are like the softest of beads so I still feel like I've cleaned and exfoliated but without feeling like my skin has dried up. Therefore, my skin does not over produce oils to make up for it and then my skin produces even more from swear because it was during the summer that I had used up this product. 

It is a cleansing cream so not only does it clean but it also moisturizes, I don't think I've seen it back in the States which sucks because my skin is in need of a cleanser that does both. So yes it does live up to the claim that it will remove dirt without drying up the skin. I'm still in the process of figuring out new products since it's now winter and I need more moisturizing cleansers.

Would I repurchase?

If I can get my hands on it, YES. I'm in need of a moisturizing cleanser right now. 

To all of my dry skinned friends, please give me suggestions of a new moisturizing cleanser!

Best, 

Ren

First Impressions: A New Series

Hello to all silent readers and future self,

Since I am doing Blogmas I have been getting more into the writing mode which is great! Now I usually do reviews over products which I have tried and completed, maybe used for about a month or so is the earliest that I will review a product because I want to give the product a solid run.

However I have come to the impression that with nail polish, you just don't use it up. The only time I've thrown one away is because, well it got too old! However I have never used it up! Shocking isn't it? Well nails have been kind of an outlet when it comes to shopping since I have put myself on a makeup ban and only buying certain products when I run out of old ones, meaning lip and eye will never run out! So since I've been buying so many I might as well create a First Impressions serious, mainly dealing with Nail Polishes and  Lip and Eye products because well, IT TAKES A LONG TIME TO FINISH THEM! Especially when you have so many to choose from!

So enough blabbering from me, I will see you in the next post!

Best,
Ren

Blogmas Day 3: Garnier Fructis Sleek and Shine Shampoo and Conditioner

Garnier Fructis Sleek and Shine Shampoo and Conditioner

Description from Garnierusa.com: 

"Get the most intense smoothing yet from Sleek & Shine Shampoo.

Now it locks out frizz for a full 3 days, even in 97% humidity.

FORTIFIED FRUIT SCIENCE
Ultra-smoothing Argan Oil from Morocco
Apricot Oil"

Overall Rating: 4.8 out of 5 [HOLY GRAIL]

Background story:

I have fine, frizzy, slightly wavy hair. So when I switch brands I usually choose the frizz control product line unless I absolutely need to damage repair.

I've used this shampoo and conditioner multiple times and I've seen how Garnier has progressed in the growth of this product line. I have started using Garnier since I was in like 5th grade so it's been awhile. I have used a variety of other products like the Color Guard shampoo and conditioner but every since I started using the Sleek and Shine version, my goodness I fell in love. I basically switch to a new brand whenever I use up a set because I buy the GIGANTIC versions but I do go back to Garnier a lot.

VERDICT:

So does it live up to the marketing?

I don't know about the full 3 day deal but I do wash my hair every other day and it doesn't frizz. HOWEVER, it does make my hair a lot more greasy on the second day than my previous set of shampoo which was L'Oréal Vive Pro Color Vive (review coming up on that). I think that's the Argan Oil doing the extra greasiness that I feel on the second day because I use Moroccan Oil after my shower as well on the first day. 

The shampoo works amazing when it comes to cleaning out my hair but it will not be as deep cleaning as the Garnier Pure Clean. Even if the shampoo does clean more thoroughly compared to other shampoos, the conditioner will cover the moisturizing. My only fault in the conditioner is that is pretty thick and does clog up my hair catcher a lot faster than what I'm currently using right now. Still the feeling of being able to finger comb through my hair with ease and I feel like I just used a deep conditioner is great. I still do use my Moroccan Oil deep conditioner once a week just to treat my hair.  

Would I repurchase?

OF COURSE I would. I do see the difference now since I switched shampoo and conditioner that focuses more on split ends and now my hair has become more frizzy however I still have my Sleek and Shine    Smoothing Milk to keep my hair tamed. FYI, with the Sleek and Shine shampoo and conditioner I didn't need to use the smoothing milk so it does keep makes sure hair is without frizz.

To all of my frizzy haired friends like me TRY THIS OUT IF YOU HAVEN'T and yes IT'S CHEAP. Although do not go and buy it in Ulta or CVS unless they have a good deal just go to HEB/Walmart :)

Best, 

Ren

Blogmas Day 2: Olay Body Wash plus Crème Ribbons

Day 2 of Blogmas! See? I'm being good about posting, if it looks like it'll be Day 3 when I post this it's because I'm on a roll while I'm listening/procrastinating to Zooey Deschanel and Jayme Dee sing, man they are amazing singers. So I got distracted and now posting this like at midnight, oh well. Anywho, onto the review!

Olay Body Wash plus Crème Ribbons

Description from Olay.com: "Wrap your skin in a fragrant, luxurious lather created from two intertwined ribbons—one cleanses skin while the other moisturizes—for visibly improved skin in only five days. Contains two intertwined ribbons of body wash and crème lotion for excellent moisturization while you cleanse."

Overall rating: 4 out of 5

Background story:

I have super duper dry skin during the winter, like we're talking crocodile scales. My past body washes does the cleaning but never the moisturizing, so when I received this as a gift from one of my couponing Aunties, I thought why not?

So does it live up to the marketing?

Why yes it does! It does make my skin feel moisturized and soft after showering, I still feel clean as expected of a body wash. My skin has improved a lot as far as retaining hydration, I do not have a lot of flaking after I started using the body wash. 

When I use the body wash I usually use a loofa as well but as far as the product turning into foam it does that pretty well even though initially it looks like lotion or conditioner consistency due to the creamy like texture.

Time span of use: about 1 year and a half but I was using other body washes and soaps in between so if it was used consistently I suppose 3 months to half a year. 

Would I repurchase?

Yes I would repurchase especially during the winter months when my skin gets especially dry. However, I have a lot of bath products to use up so I will hold on that purchasing part but for mental notes, this would be a go to product for the winter shower routine.

So for all of my scaly friends out there during the winter months, HAVE NO FEAR this body wash with the combination of lotions etc after will help you out immensely!

Best, 

Ren 

Blogmas Day 1: Coriolis Pro Straightner

Major apologies, meant to start yesterday but end up starting today so you'll be seeing double posts from me to make up for it. If there are spelling errors, well it's late and I'm in the zone. So let's get started then :)

Coriolis Pro Straightener
Description of product taken from Overstock.com: "The Corioliss Professional Tourmaline Flat Iron Limited Edition styler combines advance technology with hot, catwalk look. Solid ceramic-coated plates utilize far-infrared technology to seal in moisture while eliminating frizz." 

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5

Background story of how I purchased it:  
So I bought this straightener SEVEN years ago, it was during my years in high school. If you are from America and go to malls you might remember the kiosk where sales people are doing peoples' hair in order to show of a straightener or a curling iron. Yep, this was where I bought mine. I know it's kind of sad that I decided to fall into the hands of the sales people there BUT I do HAVE to remind you that at the time, I was but an adolescent who was spending my parent's money. Now that I'm a college student and I work two jobs, well money means a lot more than it did back then. Yet even though I did not really feel ALL that bad about spending money, I was however on an allowance and getting yelled at by my father was not an option when he found that I have spent $300 at the mall, which was my monthly allowance, in one sitting.

Therefore when I got sucked into buying this straightener, I was fighting with my conscious like it was the zombie apocalypse, trying to convince myself that I should get it. And now, 7 years later, I do not regret it at all for it's been SEVEN years and now did it decide to die on me and it has survived traveling to multiple countries and still managed to work fine until I finally decided to put it to rest.

Now as for how it broke, well it was worn down because I would have periods of years where I would use it EVERYDAY and then periods where I use it like maybe once or twice a week. Seven years of full use ladies and gents mind you. So the plastic sides of the straightener by the hot plats started to form cracks I would say maybe 2 years ago, I believe it was after my trip to Hong Kong and I guess there wasn't anything cushionie around it and a lot pressure caused cracks? It then went from cracks to falling plastic pieces and then one of the metal plates start coming out I would say this past summer. So I kept using it only in dire need and have been browsing the sites for a straightener, and even taped the metal plate to the inside plastic. That was a bad idea since the tape was melted off!. So this past month I finally RIP my straightener, we had a long nice run.

Verdict of this product:
1) WORTH THE INVESTMENT
Now I do have to say that at the time and even now, I do sincerely regret paying so much money for it. I paid about $105 which given that I bought it at the kiosk at the mall, that price sounds like a rip off. Especially now since if you go to overstock.com, it's $50. However, I do have to say if the product was that cheap or cheaper my satisfaction would be more enlightened. I still do say this was a good investment because come on, it lasted me SEVEN years and still worked amazingly well.
2) Can survive wattage changes in between countries
When you go travel abroad in Europe or any country for the matter, you are advised not to bring hairdryers and straighteners especially ones that made in the USA because they will fry in Europe. That mean ladies, do not bring you CHIs and GHDs unless you want to go and spend another couple hundred bucks to replace it!
This straightener on the other hand does require one of those big brick adapters but it will survive the change because it's not sensitive. I used it just fine with only the plug adapter part in China and it worked just fine because it was in the range. From my knowledge the Coriolis is European made so it apparently can last between both countries which it did.
3) Does take away frizz
Now that I'm without a straightener, I sorely miss it and want it back, it allows my hair to stay perfectly fine, the actual part around the plates does heat up as well so that means that you can curls your hair much better. That's why I bought it originally because I wanted a two in one type of thing, less money spend elsewhere. Nowadays you can just use your regular straightener, tough luck for the naive me.

So now I am on the look out for a new straightener, I am a college student and broke at the that. So if you are a silent reader out there, comment below and tell me a suggestion. Keep in mind that I am on a super constricted budget and if I invest it better last me as long as this past one did. I might even end up just buying it from Overstock.com since it's so cheap now. Who knows?

Best,
Ren

12 days of Blogmas!

So it's been a ridiculously long time since I have last posted on this blog. I've had school and my new internship keeping my busy HOWEVER, I have been keeping track of things that I've used up so I've decided to do 12 days of blogmas where each day I will write a post about my usual topics to keep me going and if I survive blogmas that means that I have it in me to actually keep up this blog.

For any silent readers out there, hope you stick around, and to my future self, you'll be grateful that I did this the next time you go shopping!

Ren